Brussels Airlines cancels around 40% of flights on Friday due to Alyzia disruption

Brussels Airport said that part of Alyzia’s workforce is expected to participate in the national trade-union action taking place in Brussels on Friday. Based on the current information, only around half of the flights handled by Alyzia are expected to operate as planned, with a number of flights consequently being cancelled. Flights handled by Brussels Airport’s other passenger ground handler, Aviapartner, are currently not expected to be affected.

Brussels Airlines, which relies on Alyzia for ground-handling services at Brussels Airport, expects to carry around 30,000 passengers on Friday. The airline said it will proactively contact passengers whose flights are cancelled and offer an alternative travel option. Passengers can also opt for a refund. Flight status can be checked through the airline’s website under “My Booking”.

The airline stressed that it is not involved in the industrial action.

“We regret that this is the third time this year that our flight schedule has been seriously disrupted by union action involving external parties,” Brussels Airlines spokesperson Nico Cardone said. The airline added that such actions affect the travel plans of thousands of passengers and have a significant financial impact on Brussels Airlines.

Brussels Airlines urged trade unions to find ways of making their voices heard without affecting travellers and companies that are not involved in the conflict.

Alyzia provides baggage and ramp-handling services for passenger airlines at Brussels Airport, including aircraft handling, loading and unloading and the transport of baggage between aircraft and the terminal. The company has been operating at Brussels Airport since 2020 and was awarded a new seven-year handling licence in 2025, running until October 2032.

The industrial action is part of a national trade-union demonstration scheduled for Friday in Brussels. The disruption is not limited to the airport, with the STIB expecting major disruption to its bus, tram and metro network due to the strike action and the passage of the demonstration.

Brussels Airport advises passengers travelling on Friday to check with their airline before heading to the airport. The airport’s flight information will show cancellations once the airlines have registered them.